Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigerian Army claims that troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed nine terrorists, including two notorious kingpins, and foiled coordinated attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states during a three-day offensive. The military neutralised seven insurgents in Zamfara, among them Anaruwa and Gomina, who were identified as high-profile commanders. Anaruwa was disclosed to be the younger brother of a known terrorist leader, Kachalla Idi Aiki. In Katsina, four militants were killed in a separate encounter, bringing the total to nine. The operations, carried out between May 1 and May 3, also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, nine motorcycles, several mobile phones, and ammunition. These strategic strikes have significantly disrupted the insurgents' planned offensives and dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks operating in the North-West.
The operation unfolded across two key theatres. In Katsina State, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fudma were on a fighting patrol along the Turare-Yantumaki Road in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area when they encountered a group of suspected terrorists. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of four insurgents on the spot. Recovered items from the scene included two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, various rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and a sum of one hundred and fifty-three thousand naira, which the military suspects were proceeds from criminal activities. The soldiers’ swift response prevented what could have been a devastating attack on unsuspecting civilians in the region.
In Zamfara State, the situation escalated into a high-stakes confrontation. Troops of FOB Bagega conducted a high-risk mission in Anka Local Government Area where they neutralised seven terrorists, including the two kingpins. According to military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8th Division, the encounter began on May 2 when troops engaged terrorists along the Bagega-Anka Road. In the initial exchange, four armed fighters on two motorcycles retreated, abandoning their bikes. However, the insurgents soon regrouped and launched a full-scale counterattack on the Forward Operating Base Bagega. The military responded swiftly, deploying reinforcements from various combat teams and calling in precision airstrikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The combined ground and air assault successfully repelled the attackers, with troops engaging a second wave of eight terrorists on four motorcycles, neutralising three of them. During subsequent exploitation efforts, the army recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and seven additional motorcycles.
The ferocity of the operation intensified with follow-up actions on May 3. Troops on clearance patrol in the same area encountered two more terrorists on motorcycles, who were promptly neutralised on the spot. This relentless pursuit has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the terror cells in the North-West, sending a strong signal that the military will not relent in its efforts to secure the region. The elimination of Kingpins Anaruwa and Gomina is particularly significant, as Anaruwa was identified as a relative of the notorious terrorist commander Kachalla Idi Aiki, a key figure orchestrating violence across the border states. The military believes the death of these commanders will create a leadership vacuum and severely disrupt the chain of command among the insurgent groups.
Despite the decisive operational successes, the military paid a heavy price. Lieutenant Colonel Osoba confirmed that one soldier was killed in action during the fierce exchanges with the terrorists. The fallen soldier lost his life while carrying out the counterattack against the waves of insurgents who stormed the Bagega base. “Tragically, one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation,” the army said in the statement, honouring the bravery and dedication of the troops involved in the three-day campaign. The troops have since consolidated their presence in Bagega and the surrounding areas, maintaining dominance to prevent further incursions by the remnants of the fleeing terrorists.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the North-West region. The military has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens. In its concluding remarks, the army urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid the ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The recent successes in Zamfara and Katsina demonstrate a renewed tactical synergy between ground troops and air support, offering a glimmer of hope for communities ravaged by years of banditry and terror.
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